Penn State's student-run outdoor club

Tag: swimming

The first Thanksgiving Break trip to depart, this trip explored the wonders of the Everglades National Park. The trip had varying degrees of difficulty depending on the current. As would be expected the weather was warm (80 degrees) and sunny, however it being Florida the weather was also unpredictable at times (high winds and downpours). All the perishable food perished within the first 3 days and large dry-bags were required to keep water-sensitive equipment safe and dry. The trip went smoothly. Note: many notes to follow.

Long-term weather forecasts are unreliable for Florida

it is suggested that perishable food be purchased in Florida to minimize spoilage

lots of bugs

bare feet = cut feet

sun = sun burn

Campsites in Everglades National Park must be reserved in person at the visitor center less than 24 hours before arrival at camp

The annual spring creek cleanup was held on April 10 this year. Although there was no picnic and lime-green shirts this year, the same fun was still had. Every year PSOC flies down spring creek from TMO to Milesburg, picking trash from the banks and making everything cleaner overall. This year was a little chilly, starting temps were low 40s, but the bright sun warmed up the intrepid cleaners with great zeal. Great fun was had by all the participants, even those who went for a swim. One might even say they had the most fun, one might indeed. As per the usual strange things were recovered from the creek. The most notable items being a trike, stereo, several tires, and battery that unfortunately fell out of a canoe and now resides somewhere in the creek. This year’s haul overall was less than last year’s, meaning the creek may be getting cleaner. No one died, watch out for meth labs.

This backpacking trip to the far reaches of the Tiadaghton State Forrest went out under great weather and even better attitudes. The trail chosen for this adventurous group was the Old Logger’s Path. Leaving late in the afternoon the group only got lost a few times on the way to the trial head, as the usual road to the trail was closed by a landslide. The group stayed the night at the trail head and departed in the morning for adventures unknown. The weather remained constantly amazing throughout the trip, only sunshine and smiles the whole way. Only two members of this intrepid group braved the cold and near flood levels to go swimming on the final day. As is with many trips that the outing club does, a phrase defines the weekend. This phrase was sensual. Don’t ask. Everyone had fun, and no one died.

This stunning conclusion to a trip that began over a year ago was an ‘a’ adjective that means really cool. The weather was nearly perfect for the hike. Only a small drizzle was experienced on the second day, and even that was only a few minutes. The moon provided illumination for the night-hiking that the group frequently participated in. The trail itself proved to be a bit of a challenge, with many ups and downs with a few miles thrown in for good measure. The group took this and turned it, making a great time with the perfect weather and lots of physical activity. The consumed meals were amazing, starting with a stop at Denny’s Beer Barrel Pub for some pre-trip dinner and ending on home-made chili on tortillas. Much thanks to James, who is a pro. Wildlife sightings were plentiful on the road, mostly elk and a few dear, and rare on the trail, turkeys and a few pheasants. People should be aware that everyone had fun, and no one died.

This relaxed trip to “the beach” took place over the 2010 Thanksgiving Break. The crew left a little later than expected due to a map confusion and a utter mistrust of GPS technology, however the group did eventually leave for the great Atlantic Ocean. Upon arrival the group decided to take a break and sleep for a few hours on the visitor center lawn. After the brief nap they spent the day on the beach, running around in the ocean, and playing with lacquered wood balls. The next few days were spent on the trial, or board walk, or road, or whatever the forest service calls the thing you hike on. Baring the occasional fly-over by Marine Harriers and the never-ending road, the group had an awesome time sleeping on the beach and in shelters. The super-chill nature of the trip provided adequate time for the group to bond, and friends were made all around. For more details ask one of the people who went, as the trip cannot be fully expressed in this trip report. Everyone had an awesome time and no one died, also Joe took great pictures.